Sir Peter O’Sullevan – The voice of racing: “A brilliant, colourful and fast evocation of the spirit of Punchestown – the heartbeat of Irish history on the hoof”. This fantastic documentary gives a thrilling insight into the unique Punchestown Horseracing Festival both past and present. Set around the 2011 festival, it includes stories about champion horses like Hurricane Fly and Kauto Strar). Participants include, Barry Geraghty, Conor O’Dwyer, Ken Whelan, JP Mc Manus, Mouse Morris, Nicky Henderson, Noel Meade, Paul Nichols, Paul Townend and Tony Mullins. Also included are visits to Willie Mullins' and Jim Dreaper's training yards. Not to mention the fashion, style, celebrities, and pundits.
Backed up with archive footage and photos, the programme delves into the past when races were over banks and stonewalls, when the first VIP visits were royal and it also portrays Captain Laurence Oates (Antarctic Explorer) whose horse won the Grand Military Cup in 1905.
It recalls many memorable moments including the great horses that graced its grounds such as Arkle and Istabraq and the ‘Match Race’ between Buck House and Dawn Run.
Run Time: 1 Hour 18 Minutes
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